Entertainment/Interactive Experience Vendor

Thank you for your interest in Aurora Fest.

Expected attendance for the event is 8,000+

This application is for vendors who charge participants for on-site activities, games, or experience-based engagements occurring during the event.

Vendors who sell pre-made merchandise or handcrafted goods for purchase and takeaway must apply using the Small Business/Craft Vendor application.

Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, May 22.

Before submitting your application, please gather the following documentation:

• City of Aurora Tax License
• Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or Workers’ Compensation Waiver (see below for more information)

If you do not have a City tax license, you may apply for a FREE one-day event license at:
https://aurorataxportal.gentaxcpc.net/tap/_/#1
(See below for detailed instructions.)

Paid Entertainment Vendor Guidelines

Aurora Fest is a free, City-produced community event serving a diverse audience, including youth and families with limited discretionary income. To preserve equitable access while supporting small businesses and creators, the City has established pricing guidelines for paid entertainment/interactive activities.

All proposed paid activities will be reviewed during the application process. Vendors must submit a full description of their activity and complete pricing structure for approval in advance.

Pricing Policy

All entertainment and interactive experiences offered by vendors at the event must be priced at $15 or less for a single complete experience. 

To support equitable access for the community, vendors must provide at least one complete base experience priced at $5 or less. The base experience must allow participants to fully engage in the activity and may not require additional purchases, upgrades, or add-ons in order to participate.

Vendors may offer versions of the experience at higher price points, provided they remain optional and do not exceed the $15 maximum per experience.

Charging a separate entry fee, participation fee, supply fee, or required add-on that increases the cost of the base experience beyond $5 is not permitted. Bundled pricing structures that effectively prevent access to the $5 base experience are also prohibited.

Acceptable Pricing Example — Face Painting

A face painting vendor may structure pricing as follows:

• $5 Base Experience: Small design such as a star, heart, lightning bolt, flower, or cheek art design.
• $10 Experience (Optional Upgrade): Medium cheek or partial face design with multiple colors.
• $15 Experience (Optional Upgrade): Full-face or highly detailed design.

The $5 option must be a complete finished design, not a partial outline that requires an upgrade to complete. Customers must be able to receive a finished face painting for $5 without any additional required fees.

All pricing must be clearly displayed and communicated before services are provided. The City reserves the right to review pricing and require adjustments or discontinue offerings that do not comply with these requirements.

Prohibited Paid Activities
1. Duplicate Core Programming
Vendors may not charge for activities that duplicate City-provided free programming, including:

• Open-play console or e-sports gaming
• Facepainting
• Standard inflatables or bounce houses
• Character meet-and-greet experiences
• Interactive photo booths
• Paid access to children’s toys games, building materials, or open-play items intended for onsite use only, where no take-home product is provided

2. Core Access or Foundational Amenities
Vendors may not charge for access to event spaces or essential amenities, including but not limited to:

• Entry wristbands
• Seating access
• Panel room access
• Cosplay repair stations
• Water or basic comfort amenities
• Sensory-friendly spaces, special needs accommodations, adaptive play materials, or other accessibility supports intended as foundational event amenities

 3. Pay-to-Enter Competitive Activities
The following are not permitted:

• Paid-entry tournaments
• Pay-to-compete gaming contests
• Entry fees tied to prizes or awards

4. Activities Requiring a Colorado Gambling License
Activities that require a Colorado gambling license are prohibited, including but not limited to:

• Prize wheels with cash or variable-value payouts
• Raffle-based play models
• Games of chance involving cash prizes
• Any activity regulated under Colorado charitable gaming or gambling statutes

The retail sale of sealed or blind merchandise (e.g., mystery boxes, collectible packs, or similar products) is permitted, provided it functions as a standard retail transaction and does not involve cash prizes, tiered payout structures, or mechanics that would require a Colorado gambling license. Vendors operating under this retail sales model must apply through the Small Business/Craft Vendor application process.

 
The City reserves the right to determine whether a proposed activity aligns with these guidelines and may deny or modify approvals as necessary to maintain an inclusive, community-centered event environment.

This is an electronic agreement. By submitting your application, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.

Aurora Fest Entertainment Vendor Agreement
THIS AGREEMENT is by and between the CITY OF AURORA, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012 (“CITY”) and the party designated on the attached application (“ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR”).

The CITY desires to permit ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR to provide entertainment services as set forth on the attached application during the Fall into Fun event. Now therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows:

 
1. RIGHT TO PERFORM
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR shall have the right to provide the entertainment services as set forth on the application. Said activities are to occur only within the area designated by the CITY for the ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR. The CITY has a zero-tolerance policy for performances, displays, or advertising that display and/or promote any of the following: gang colors/symbols, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and illegal activities. Any ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR found to be in violation of these policies is subject to expulsion from the event without any refund. Enforcement of this is at the sole discretion of CITY management.

 
2. BEVERAGES
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS shall not sell, distribute, or in any way disseminate alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, INCLUDING WATER, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

 
3. SERVICES
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS shall only provide the entertainment services identified on the application and approved by the CITY. Additional services or activities must receive prior written approval from the CITY.

 
4. HOURS OF OPERATION
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR must be present, fully staffed, and actively providing services during their assigned performance or activity time between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 regardless of weather conditions. Failure to perform during the scheduled time may preclude ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR from participating in future events. ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR understands that the event will be held rain or shine, and no refunds shall be given.

 
5. SPACE ALLOCATION
Assigned space for ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS will be determined by the CITY. ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR understands that the CITY, at its sole discretion, will assign space appropriate for the entertainment activity.

 
6. EQUIPMENT
The City of Aurora does not provide any equipment to the ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR including but not limited to chairs, tables, tents, staging, audio equipment, or power unless otherwise specified in writing. ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS are required to provide their own equipment unless otherwise agreed upon.

 
7. WEATHER SECURITY
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS shall be responsible for adequately securing all equipment to withstand the elements of weather. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own anchoring devices (weights and/or water barrels). Stakes are not permitted for securing tents, canopies, or structures on the Great Lawn per City of Aurora regulations.

 
8. PARTICIPATION FEE
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR agrees to participate in the event to be held Saturday, June 13, 2026. Any applicable participation fees will be automatically charged to the payment method provided upon approval of the application. No subletting or reassignment of performance space is permitted.

 
9. LOAD-IN / SET-UP
Load-in and set-up of tents and other large equipment must be completed between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12. Smaller equipment may be loaded in between 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. All set up must be completed by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Vendor vehicles will have limited access to vendor areas; please be prepared to move items by hand or dolly.

 
10. LOAD OUT
All ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR materials and GARBAGE must be removed from the event site by 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

 
11. SIGNAGE
All ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR signage, banners, or promotional materials must be contained within the assigned space. Each ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR is responsible for supplying their own signage unless otherwise agreed upon.

 
12. CONDUCT
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR may not consume alcoholic beverages within any assigned space. Vendors must be suitably attired at all times. Behavior unsuitable for the CITY, or which constitutes a public nuisance, will not be permitted. Any amplified sound or performance equipment must be approved by the CITY in advance.

 
13. STORAGE
All ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR property shall be kept within the assigned space. Storage of supplies, equipment, or materials outside the designated area will not be allowed.

 
14. ELECTRICAL SERVICE
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR acknowledges that the CITY will not provide electrical service for this event unless otherwise specified. If electricity is required, the ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR must supply their own power source. Generators, trailers, vans, or other mechanical devices used to supply power may be subject to inspection by the CITY or its designee onsite. It is the ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR’S responsibility to supply all cables and extension cords, which must be UL approved. The CITY reserves the right to require modification or removal of any equipment deemed unsafe.

 
15. CANVASSING
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS may conduct their activities only from inside their assigned space. Canvassing from outside the assigned area is not permissible and may result in removal from the event with loss of all submitted monies. Canvassing may not be done any closer than one block outside the event boundaries.

 
16. SITE INSPECTION
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR is responsible for leaving the designated space as found. Failure to do so may result in charges to repair or correct any damage or alteration at the sole discretion of the CITY. Vendor is responsible for returning the space to its original condition by 11:00 p.m. on June 13, 2026.

 
17. GOVERNING LAWS
This agreement shall be governed by the laws, health regulations, sanitation requirements, and fire regulations of the City of Aurora, County of Arapahoe, and State of Colorado.

 
18. SECURITY
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS are responsible for the safety and security of their own property and equipment at all times. Limited security will be assigned to the overall event site. No security personnel will be assigned specifically to individual vendors. The CITY shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or damage to any property left on the event grounds.

 
19. INDEMNITY
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR shall indemnify and hold the CITY, CITY staff, contractors, and volunteers harmless from any claim or cause of action arising out of or in connection with the acts or omissions of ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR under this agreement and shall reimburse the CITY for any costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in defense against any such claim.

 
20. VIOLATIONS
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR acknowledges that a breach of any terms of this agreement may result in termination of this agreement and removal from the event. In the event this agreement is terminated as a result of a breach by the ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR, they shall not be entitled to any refund and shall forfeit all amounts previously paid as liquidated damages.

 
21. AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS
No prior or present agreements or representations shall be binding upon any of the parties hereto unless incorporated in this agreement. No modification or change in this agreement shall be valid unless in writing and executed by the parties to be bound.

 
22. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES
In the event of a dispute arising in any manner as a result of, or related to, this agreement, the parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation and/or arbitration as a prerequisite to legal action. In the event arbitration or legal action is commenced, the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred as a result of said dispute.

 
23. CANCELLATION
ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR understands that if the vendor cancels after the execution of this agreement, or fails to provide the required documentation, they shall not be entitled to any refund and shall forfeit all amounts previously paid as liquidated damages.

 
24. SPACE ACCESS
The CITY and its agents or assigns shall have access to the assigned space at all times. Space cannot be assigned or leased by any organization other than CITY management.

 
25. EVENT DISPLAYS
The CITY reserves the right to locate or relocate any exhibit, performance area, or display where it is in the best interest of the CITY. The CITY reserves the right to cancel any activity that is not in the best interest of the CITY.

 
26. LIABILITY INSURANCE
ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS must provide the City with a liability policy as detailed on the vendor application website.

 
By checking the box associated with this agreement, ENTERTAINMENT VENDOR acknowledges that:

a. Vendor has had the opportunity to review this agreement;
b. Vendor has enclosed all required documentation and payment;
c. Vendor has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel if desired; and
d. Vendor fully understands the terms and conditions set forth herein and agrees to be bound by the same.